Virgil van Dijk has been confirmed as the new captain of the Netherlands.

Ronald Koeman has been tasked with improving the fortunes of Oranje after the Dutch failed to qualify for a second major tournament in a row, and the former Everton boss has made his decision over a new captain.

Liverpool defender Van Dijk has made just 16 appearances for his country, but the 26-year-old has been handed the skipper's armband ahead of Friday's friendly with England.

Koeman's first squad is lacking in experience, with only seven of the 25-man squad having made over 20 outings for the Netherlands.

Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben have both recently retired from international football, while Daley Blind, Robin van Persie and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar are all absent from the group to face the Three Lions and Portugal.